Authority for Justice and Consumer Protection

Exemption for slaughtering animals without stunning.

Prerequisites

You may only slaughter animals without anesthesia if:

• this is absolutely necessary to comply with religious rites or dietary regulations,
• the person carrying out the work has the necessary expertise and
• the slaughterhouse complies with legal requirements.

Documents required

The written application for slaughter must contain the following information:

• Name and address of the applicant
• Name and address as well as information on the expertise of the person carrying out the slaughter
• Information about the group of people for whom the slaughter is to take place (e.g. religious communities, individuals)
• Description of the religious regulations for slaughter
• Type and number of animals to be slaughtered
• Slaughtering period
• Place of slaughter
• Equipment used for slaughter
• whereabouts of the meat
• Declaration that the meat will only be given to people who must adhere to mandatory religious regulations regarding slaughter
• Description of the religiously prescribed slaughtering process
• Information about how animal welfare regulations are adhered to during the slaughtering process

Please note

Slaughtering without anesthesia must be absolutely necessary to comply with religious rites or dietary regulations.

Deadlines

Submit the application before you start slaughtering.

Procedure

• Submit a written application to the responsible authority and submit it including all required documents.
• The responsible office will examine your application and your documents and, if necessary, request further documents or information from you.
• The responsible authority will decide on your application.
• You will receive a notification from the responsible authority.
• You will receive the fee notice.
• You pay the fees.

Processing time

The processing time depends on the testing effort and is at least 4 weeks.

Fees

The fees are calculated according to the actual effort.

Legal remedies

Objection within 4 weeks of receipt of the decision

Legal basis

• § 4a Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG)


• §§ 4, 12 ff. Ordinance on the protection of animals in connection with slaughter or killing and on the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009 (Animal Welfare Slaughter Ordinance - TierSchlV)


• Regulation (EC) 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing